How Can CBD Oil or Other CBD Products Kill Cancer Cells?

CBD has been used from time immemorial for its medicinal properties. Read this article to learn more about CBD and if CBD can kill cancer cells. The article also discusses the benefits of CBD in cancer treatment and factors to consider when buying cancer treatment and management products.

CBD has been in use for many centuries, but it was until the legalization of hemp from which CBD is derived. CBD oilis exceptionally popular because it is versatile. You can use CBD oil to create your DIYs. The legalization had a ripple effect on other factors, such as more research into what else hemp possesses, what it can treat and its potentiality in treating chronic ailments. This article discusses how and if CBD oil and other CBD products can kill cancer cells.

What is CBD?

Within hemp and marijuana are hundreds of chemical components known as cannabinoids,such as CBD and THC. Hemp and marijuana are usually confused as if they were the same. Still, they are not, even though they are both cannabis. It is puzzling for some people that hemp can be legal in a jurisdiction where marijuana is illegal. The difference between hemp and marijuana is based on their THC levels. THC is the cannabinoid that gives cannabis its psychoactive properties. Hemp use is allowed in places because it contains negligible THC, while marijuana has plenty of THC. When you consume marijuana, you will 'feel high' while no amount of hemp can make the user feel euphoric. It is important to know the legal status of hemp and marijuana in your locality because they draw hefty fines and serious jail terms in areas where they have been outlawed.

Can CBD kill cancer cells?

The legalization of hemp allowed for research into CBD as a component that can kill cancer cells. Cancer is a disease where the cells grow uncontrollably. All treatments towards cancer focus on how to slow down or stop the growth. There have always been rumours about the ability of cannabis to treat cancer by killing cells. Studies have been done on mice with some success. However, studies have not been done on human beings. It will be prudent for a cancer patient to keep the conventional medication prescribed to treat cancer. It is important to seek the doctor's opinion before dumping conventional medication for alternative medicine.According to Go et al.(2020), CBD is a potential anti-cancer drug as an excellent therapeutic agent against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the sixth most common cancer, because of its anti-tumorigenic properties. Jeong et al. (2019) noted that CBD could potentially treat cancer because it induces cell death.

Benefits of CBD in cancer treatment?

According to Kosgodage et al . (2018),CBD has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative properties, which makes CBD a useful substance in cancer management.Good et al. (2019) noted that CBD might be useful in managing cancer-related symptoms such as pain and distress. Below are some of the benefits of CBD to a cancer patient.

Pain management

Magee et al. (2019)stated that most cancer patients experience pain. According to Schilling (2021), CBD can be useful in treating chronic pain. The body has a network known as the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for some biological activities such as pain control, eating, sleep, temperature control, and inflammatory and immune responses. Chye et al.(2019) stated that the endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors. The plants have a version of the cannabinoid system known as the phytocannabinoid system, which is the basis of research into the potential of the endocannabinoid system in cancer treatment and management. When cannabis is consumed, it targets the receptors in the endocannabinoid system for interaction, interfering with the transmission of signals. Moreno et al.(2019)observed that the endocannabinoid system could be an “attractive anti-cancer agent.

Help the patient relax.

According to Rani (2022), distress is common among cancer patients. During distress, a hormone known as serotonin reduces, and CBD is believed to increase serotonin levels and hence boost mood. Abdulamir et al.(2018) noted that serotonin is mainly related to mood and sleep. Spinella et al. (2021)observed that CBD could influence stress, mood, and anxiety.

Improve the quality of sleep

The symptoms accompanying the cancer patient, such as pain, distress and body aches, can make it impossible for the patient to enjoy better and adequate sleep. CBD will therefore be useful because it alleviates the cause of sleeplessness.

Factors to consider when buying CBD products for cancer treatment and management

When buying CBD for cancer, the following are some of the factors that you have to consider;

The doctor’s opinion

You do not need a doctor’s prescription to buy CBD, but it is a necessary step for the first-time user. The doctor will advise you if your ailment is compatible with CBD use. As a first-timer, getting the best CBD product may not be easy. The doctor may help the patient check the ingredients and additives in the CBD product to ensure no allergens or contaminants in the CBD. In case of side effects, it is important to seek the doctor’s opinion.

The potency of the CBD product

The product's potency will depend on how chronic your cancer is and if you can tolerate higher potencies. The rule of thumb is always to start with lower potency and gradually advance to more potent CBD.

The bioavailability of the CBD product

The bioavailability of a product refers to the amount that makes it to the bloodstream. Some products are more bioavailable than others. CBD used as edibles is the least bioavailable, while CBD used as an injectable is the most bioavailable. The difference in bioavailability is related to the processes involved before the CBD enters the bloodstream. Vaping CBD is also highly bio-available.

Do you want fast relief?

Some products will be ideal for emergencies, while others will take a long time to kick in. The best products for fast relief are vapes and injectibles. The edibles take longer and will not be great for quick relief. Learn more about cbd oil for rheumatism

User-friendliness of the CBD product

Buy a CBD product that is user-friendly. For instance,you may consider starting with disposable vapes, simple products. Refillable vapes involve more maintenance and usage. It may be a while before the user knows how to use them perfectly.

Discretional properties

Most CBD products guarantee discretion because they resemble regular products.The CBD edibles are the most discreet, while the vapes are the least discreet.

Conclusion

Cancer treatment aims to slow cell multiplication or stop growth entirely. Research on whether CBD can kill cancer cells is still ongoing. Still, researchers are hopeful that CBD can counter cancer cells and kill them. In the meantime, CBD can be used as a pain management agent, helping the user relax and cope with distress. CBD can also be useful in improving the user’s sleeping pattern. When buying products for cancer, the user should seek the doctor’s opinion on how or whether to use CBD. The doctor can help the user avoid side effects by helping them look through the additives and ingredients of the CBD product.

References

Abdulamir, H. A., Abdul-Rasheed, O. F., & Abdulghani, E. A. (2018). Serotonin and serotonin transporter levels in autistic children. Saudi medical journal, 39(5), 487.

Go, Y. Y., Kim, S. R., Kim, D. Y., Chae, S. W., & Song, J. J. (2020). Cannabidiol enhances the cytotoxicity of anti-cancer drugs in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-11.

Jeong, S., Jo, M. J., Yun, H. K., Kim, D. Y., Kim, B. R., Kim, J. L., ... & Lee, D. H. (2019). Cannabidiol promotes apoptosis via regulation of XIAP/Smac in gastric cancer. Cell death & disease, 10(11), 1-13.

Kosgodage, U. S., Mould, R., Henley, A. B., Nunn, A. V., Guy, G. W., Thomas, E. L., ... & Lange, S. (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) is a novel inhibitor for cancer's exosome and microvesicle (EMV) release. Frontiers in pharmacology, 9, 889.

Magee, D. J., Jhanji, S., Poulogiannis, G., Farquhar-Smith, P., & Brown, M. R. D. (2019). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain in cancer patients: a systematic review and reappraisal of the evidence. British journal of anaesthesia, 123(2), e412-e423.

Moreno, E., Cavic, M., Krivokuca, A., Casadó, V., & Canela, E. (2019). The endocannabinoid system as a target in cancer diseases: are we there yet? Frontiers in pharmacology, 10, 339.

Rani, R., & Kumar, R. (2022). Body image distress among cancer patients: needs for psychosocial intervention development. Supportive Care in Cancer, 1-9.

Schilling, J. M., Hughes, C. G., Wallace, M. S., Sexton, M., Backonja, M., & Moeller-Bertram, T. (2021). Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Survey of Patients’ Perspectives and Attitudes. Journal of pain research, 14, 1241.